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Graphic Designers Advertisers Insurance Texas

Graphic Designers Advertisers Insurance Texas. As a graphic designer, protecting your business with a business owner insurance policy is probably the last thing on your mind. However, this type of policy is essential for running any type of business. Even though you may do the bulk of your work on a computer, that doesn't mean that you're immune from liability lawsuits that can be brought against you from clients.

Graphic designers use computer-assisted design programs, audiovisual equipment, and printing or reproduction processes to develop commercial advertising, websites, or publishing. They often work independently. Their work can include a wide variety of processes, such as photography, video filming, or painting.

A graphic designers advertisers insurance Texas business owner's policy can provide you with protection if you find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit.

Graphic designers advertisers insurance Texas protects your firm from lawsuits with rates as low as $27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

What Is An Graphic Designers Advertisers Insurance Business Owner's Policy?

This graphic designers advertisers insurance Texas which is usually abbreviated as BOP, serves the needs of most advertising, graphic design and media service providers. A BOP provides three types of coverages under one policy, making it a breeze to bundle your insurance requirements for simplicity and complete coverage. Graphic designers can purchase BOP policies on their own or with other insurance policies they might need.

Standard BOP policies include:

Business liability coverage. This protects your business from liability claims and the financial fallout from several types of lawsuits. For instance, if a client becomes injured while visiting your office - say they trip on your rug or slip on your linoleum floor - this insurance pays for the claims against you. It shouldn't be viewed as a professional liability policy, though, since it won't cover damages that result from when you provide professional services to a client.

Business property coverage. The building that you operate your advertising business or graphic design business out of and the furniture, equipment, office supplies, graphic design software, and other items are protected from loss under business property coverage in most BOP policies. For instance, if your computer gets fried during a lightning storm, this policy has you covered—and it pays for both owned and leased items.

Business income insurance. This policy protects your business from financial loss in the event that something happens that causes you to be unable to keep your business open. For instance, if a tree falls down during a storm and crashes through the roof of the building that you operate your business out of, this type of policy will enable you to recoup lost income while your business is closed for repairs.

Who Needs a BOP Policy?

While a graphic designers advertisers insurance Texas purchase is not required under any state or federal laws, there are quite a number of professionals and small business owners who may benefit from them. You may need a BOP policy if you:

Are in a line of work in which you face the potential of being sued.

Possess assets that can be damaged or stolen, including digital information, customer data, equipment, and furniture.

Conduct your business out of a physical location, including rented office space or home offices.

Additional Graphic Designers Advertisers Insurance Texas Coverages

A standard BOP policy may provide most of the coverage your small business needs, there are other types of graphic designers advertisers insurance Texas coverage available for advertising, graphic design and media service professionals, such as:

Professional liability coverage. The work you provide your clients is important, but if your services lead to damage for a client, they may have grounds to sue you. Professional liability coverage enables you to worry less about the financial hardship paying claims could cost you.

Accounts receivable coverage. Most likely you store important records or data for clients; if something happens which requires you to research to recover the data or you have to hire someone else to do so, this coverage covers the cost.

Computer breach. Clients expect you to protect the sensitive information stored in your computer system. If a data breach occurs and confidential information is leaked or compromised, this coverage allows you to handle claims against you and pay out monetary settlements as a result.

Workers compensation coverage. If you have employees working under you, then it's essential that you purchase a worker's compensation policy, which covers losses due to sickness or physical injury deemed to be job-related.

Commercial auto insurance. If your line of work requires you to use a car, truck, SUV, or other vehicle, this vehicle is required to have commercial auto insurance. For instance, if you drive to a clients' home or place of business to discuss project perimeters, the vehicle you drive should be covered by commercial auto insurance, since you are using it for work-related travel.

Learn more about graphic designers advertisers insurance Texas BOP policies for advertising, graphic design and media service providers by speaking with a licensed agent now. An agent can help you decide on the right policy for your needs and customize any add-ons you may require to protect your business from all angles.

TX Graphic Designer's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures are minimal on site due to lack of public access. If visitors are permitted in design or process areas, aisles must have adequate space and be free of debris. Flooring should be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet, and no cracks or holes in flooring. Sufficient exits must exist and be well marked, with backup systems in case of power failure.

Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. Off-site exposures can be extensive. Areas should be secured to prevent injury to the general public, who may trip over equipment or artwork or be struck by falling objects. An off-premises shoot may also attract unwanted attention from children.

Professional liability exposures include personal and advertising injury, errors in design, allegations of trademark or copyright infringement, and breach of a client’s confidentiality. Prototypes and designs should be approved by the client in writing prior to final publication or dissemination. Conflicts of interest may arise if the designer works for two competitors.

Environmental impairment exposure may be a concern if operations include printing. The chemicals or solvents used may produce vapors, fumes, and byproducts that contaminate air, soil, or water. Disposal must adhere to EPA standards.

Workers compensation exposures can be limited to that of an office. As work is done primarily on computers, potential injuries include eyestrain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and similar cumulative trauma injured that can be addressed through ergonomically designed workstations. Back sprains and strains can result from lifting heavy artwork. If printing is done on premises, workers may inhale chemicals or be injured by machinery.

Property exposure may be limited to office equipment such as computers and photocopiers if the designer outsources printing operations. If printing is done on premises, ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning systems, wear, and overheating of equipment. The use of hot metals, molds, chemicals, inks, or dyes, coupled with flammable solvents and combustible paper supplies, presents a high fire potential.

Studios may be targeted by thieves. Appropriate security controls should be taken including physical barriers to prevent access to the premises after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station of the police department.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. Hazards increase in the absence of proper background checks and monitoring of the insured’s workers who may have such access. Inventory and disbursement duties should be separated and regular audits performed.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the designer offers credit, cameras, computers, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Computer-aided design programs may be used in the development process. There should be a frequent backup and off-site data storage of duplicates. High-valued audiovisual equipment taken to off-site premises may be a target for theft.

Commercial auto exposures may be limited to hired and non-ownership. If owned vehicles are used to pick up supplies or deliver the end product to the client, all drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. If vehicles are supplied to employees, there should be written procedures regarding personal use by employees and their families. Vehicles must be maintained and records kept in a central location.

Texas Economic Outlook & Requirements For Commercial Insurance

If you are considering opening up a business in the Lone Star State, you first want to make sure that it is a sound location for your operations. That means that you should understand some key information related to the state's economy, as well as the types of insurance coverages that businesses are legally required to carry.

Economic Outlook For The State Of Texas

In terms of the economy, Texas offers fantastic news for those who are thinking about starting up a business in this state. That's because the Lone Star State has the second largest economy of all 50 states in the nation. The gross state product is valued at an estimated at over $1.706 trillion in 2019. In 2015, the state was the headquarters for six of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies.

As expected, several industries contribute to the economy of Texas. One of the most notable industries is agriculture. In fact, this state has the highest production of cattle, sheep, and goat products. It is also the largest producer of cotton and cereal crops. Other crops that this state is famed for include cantaloupes, watermelons, and grapefruits.

Other leading industries in the State of Texas include:

Aeronautics

Defense

Computer Technology

Energy

Tourism

Entertainment

Healthcare

If you are considering going into business in TX, having an operation in any of these industries will likely afford you success.

Commercial Insurance Regulations For Business Owners In TX

The Texas Department of Insurance regulates is the main insurance regulatory agency in the Lone Star State. Texas is quite lenient when it comes to insurance requirements for business owners. In fact, there is only one type of insurance that business owners are legally required to carry, and that is commercial auto insurance. If you are planning on using a vehicle for anything related to your business, whether it's making deliveries, transporting goods, or meeting with clients, you must have a commercial auto insurance policy.

While Workers' Compensation coverage is required in every other state, in TX, is it not mandated; however, if you decide not to carry this type of coverage, you will be required to offer your employees some type of incentive package in the event that the do become injured or develop a work-related illness.

Additional Resources For Advertising, Marketing & Media Insurance

Learn about small business media liability insurance - a specialized form of professional liability insurance that provides protection for legal claims brought by third parties.

Advertising and Media Liability Insurance provisions are not standardized, so it is critical to carefully review a particular form's basic features and available coverage options. While some carriers offer coverage on an open perils basis, most will provide coverage only on a named perils basis.

The named perils generally include coverage against allegations involving defamation, disparagement of an individual's reputation, product disparagement, invasion or infringement of the right of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, plagiarism, piracy, infringement of copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property, newsgathering torts such as trespass and assault, unfair competition with respect to other covered communication perils, and errors and omissions.

Coverage can be written on a claims-made basis or on occurrence-based forms. The occurrence basis affords additional protection to the insured as coverage is provided for a claim or event occurring during the policy period, even if the coverage expires or is cancelled or nonrenewed.

Most media liability policies provide a Limit of Liability per event, plus an Aggregate Limit of Liability for all events covered during the policy term. Some carriers now offer coverage without requiring an Aggregate Limit of Liability. Such a policy is an advantage to the insured as this eliminates the fear that the policy limits will run out before the policy expires.